The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Relations offers a progressive course of study to prepare students for careers in public relations and related professions including human resources, marketing, advertising, social media management, and politics, to name just a few, that place an importance on building dynamic people-relationships.

Through coursework and practical experience you will learn to plan, implement, and evaluate communication strategies that enhance the relationship between an organization or individual and their respective stakeholders, consumers, constituents and publics.

The PR Specialist . . .

Public Relations (or “PR”) specialists aim to enhance the relationship between an organization or individual with strategic groups such as investors, employees, activist groups, government regulators and others. PR specialists help organizations cultivate relationships with all who are affected by the company mission. The work of PR specialists has additional value to society when they help clients practice social responsibility and respond to the interests of critical stakeholders.

Public Relations specialists can take on different roles, depending on the situation: they can be persuaders, advocates, educators, crusaders, information providers, and reputation managers.

What You Will Study

As a Public Relations student, you will learn about current PR theories, research and practices, including the use of traditional and new media. Through course work and practical experience, you will be introduced to responsibilities and trends that have shaped the profession. You will also learn about:

Contemporary strategies that influence corporate/public interaction, social movements and political outcomes.

Common-Core School Curriculum (12 credits) — a broad foundation for understanding all communication and media disciplines (required of all students in the School of Communication and Media)

Major Elective courses (18 credits) — further development of interdisciplinary and major-related expertise

General education courses (39-42 credits) — exploration of studies that comprise a liberal arts education — e.g. in writing, humanities, math, and the natural, social and computer sciences (required of all University students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree)

Free electives (21-30 credits) — exploration of additional areas of interest; or inclusion of a Minor

In addition, students often pursue internships to acquire practical experience related to the major.